Seminar Hotel Retter in Austria earns Green Globe Re-certification

LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe announced re-certification of the Seminar Hotel Retter in Styria in Austria.

LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe announced re-certification of the Seminar Hotel Retter in Styria in Austria. For years this property has been demonstrating sustainable tourism, integrating ethical and environmentally-friendly practices into its core business operations and management. This four-star resort is holding both – the prestigious Green Globe certification and the Austrian Environmental Seal of Quality.

โ€œRetter stands for learning and further development,โ€ explained Ulli Retter, Owner of Seminar Hotel Retter, โ€œWe have been practicing this โ€˜way of doing businessโ€™ for more than 20 years. Both audits will help us to improve our day-to-day operation and continue to reduce our eco-footprint. Therefore, we will conduct the Green Globe audit review annually, and the re-evaluation of the Austrian Environmental Seal of Quality, every four years.โ€

The Seminar Hotel Retter has implemented a long-term sustainability management system and thrives for eco-balance. Energy and water consumption is minimized in all areas of the property and a reduction of 900,000 kg CO2 emissions and 3,000,000 liters of drinking water was reported. During the last building stage of the hotel in 2008 a special emphasis was made on energetic efficiency: the extension of the hotel was built facing south, and a biomass heating plant was installed combined with low-temperature heating and window contacts. The organically-grown fruit around the hotel provides ecologically-balanced surroundings, and guests can enjoy healthy homemade liquors and juices. Local suppliers adhering to eco-friendly practices are given preference, and all foods being served at the hotel are regional and certified organic.

In addition to being a hotel and spa resort, Seminar Hotel Retter offers a number of options for green meetings and events. All seminar rooms are equipped with a transparent dome-roof, providing energy saving and bright meeting spaces. Guests are offered the best glass-bottled Retter Spring Water, all proceeds going to โ€œHartberger Aid Organization Austria Helps Africa to build Wells and Hospitals.โ€ Eco-friendly, door-to-door transportation is available for individuals and groups.

Green Globe Certificationโ€™s CEO, Guido Bauer, said, โ€œWe are extremely pleased to re-certify the Seminar Hotel Retter in Austria. I am impressed with the achievements of this family business. The Hotel Retter is an oasis of strength, built of natural local materials, and making use of natural principles to create inner and outer harmony. This property sets benchmarks for environmental efforts in the Austrian tourism industry.โ€

ABOUT SEMINAR HOTEL RETTER

Seminar Hotel Retter, located in Austrian national park, Pollauer Tal, has been voted โ€œBest Seminar Hotel in Austriaโ€ several times. The hotel is built of Styrian solid wood, and each of the 98 rooms features non-metal beds and electricity-disabling devices, which create a relaxing atmosphere. The spa area โ€œBewusst-SEINโ€ with an extension of 1,200 m2 was built in clay, glass, and wood with the saunas representing all seven โ€œLife-Surroundingsโ€ of Pollauer Tal Park. Facilities include a business center, a beauty salon, and conference rooms. The Seminar Hotel has its own on-site restaurant, offering local and seasonal cuisine. Pollauberg town center is within a 20-minute walking distance, and Graz Airport is a one-hour drive to the hotel.

Contact: Ulli Retter, Seminar Hotel Restaurant Retter, 8225 Pollauberg 88, Austria, Tel. 03335/2690, [email protected] , www.retter.at ; DI Karl Reiner, OAR-Regionalberatung GmbH, 1010 Wien, Fichtegasse 2/17, Tel: +43 (0) 1 512 15 95, Mobil: +43 (0) 664 243 43 72, [email protected] , www.greenglobe.com/karlreiner

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...